THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch, which arrested KPCC president K Sudhakaran based on a tip-off in the case of taking 10 lakhs from antiquities fraudster Monson Mavunkal, is trembling to touch IG Guguloth Laxman, who is directly involved in the scam. It has been a month since the fourth defendant was made in the case, but there is no further action. Laxman, who returned after a 15-month suspension, is in charge of police training.

The suspension came in November 2021 when the crime branch informed Chief Minister that the police had been misused for fake antiquities fraud and the fraudster had been protected by using the powers of the police. It is alleged that an investigation is being conducted to give a clean chit for his promotion to additional DGP, which was lost due to suspension. Laxman is from the 1997 IPS batch.

Findings

• The Andhra native, the middlewoman, was introduced to Monson.
• Tried to sell gold Bibles, Ganesha idols, Qurans, gems etc.
• Gunmen were assigned to deliver the fake antiquities to the police club in Thiruvananthapuram.
• Unholy relationship with Monson even after he became an accused.
• Reached Monson's houses in Kalur and Cherthala in an official vehicle. Monson used the IG's presence to instill confidence in clients.

Crime branch is trying to save the IG by hiding all the findings. Phone calls and financial transactions are not being investigated.

To save officers

1. Former DIG S Surendran is also accused. It is alleged that money was transferred from Monson's account to Surendran's wife's account.
2. IG Laxman was found to be in touch with Monson's manager Jishnu on the phone but it was kept under wraps.

Political influence

• Laxman is a close associate of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. With 14 years of service left, Laxman was all set to leave IPS and become the IT minister in Telangana.
• Several relatives in high positions in Telangana politics. Since 2009, he had an assembly seat promised to him. His wife is Kavitha, daughter of former Andhra DGP DT Naik. The Telangana Chief Minister had directly called the top brass of the government to issue a NOC to Laxman for his self-retirement.